Exclusive: Lee Hendrie names the coldest EFL stadium he's ever worked at | OneFootball

Speaking exclusively with FLW, Lee Hendrie has named the coldest EFL stadium he's ever worked or played at.

The EFL is home to some of the oldest, most iconic, and indeed, chilliest, stadiums in football.

Windswept coastal grounds, stadiums without corners, or footballing amphitheatres simply located in towns and cities where entrepreneurs aren't in the sunscreen business.

It's a rarity for EFL football fans to not have to contemplate taking a coat with them when leaving for the match.

However, there is a peculiar beauty to standing on the terraces in the howling winds, driving rain and frosty conditions - it's part of what makes football on these shores special in a way.

Undoubtedly, there are plenty of football clubs who have strong claims to possessing the coldest stadium in English football.

Speaking exclusively with Football League World, we asked Sky Sports pundit and former player Lee Hendrie: 'Which EFL stadium is the coldest you've ever worked, or played at?'

Hendrie said: "It's got to be going up north.

"Playing at Sunderland

"I had thermals on, the whole works, and I was still freezing.

"Yes, probably one of the coldest I have ever commentated on, but any time you go up to the northern section, you know what to expect.

"Even when you're playing, and that's when you need to run around.

"So Sunderland it would be."

The North East is safe bet for coldest stadium location - Sunderland, Middlesbrough and Newcastle United all have claims

The North East of England is truly one of this country's biggest footballing hotbeds, and there's perhaps an irony there in relation to the area being home to some of the nation's coldest stadiums.

Sunderland's 49,000 Stadium of Light is one of the most recognisable and impressive grounds that the EFL has seen during the club's most recent time spent outside of the Premier League.

Located on the banks of the River Wear, a night game under the lights during the winter here is certainly an experience any football fan should have on their bucket list, but they aren't for the faint of heart either, so remember to wrap up, and then maybe even wrap up again before heading to this iconic venue.

It's not the only ground in the North East that is not commonly complemented for its tropical conditions, however.

Indeed, of the region's big three: Sunderland, Newcastle United and Middlesbrough respectively, it's only the latter of these clubs that remains in possession of an active EFL stadium.

Boro's Riverside Stadium, as its name suggests, sits proudly on the banks of the River Tees, and upon its opening in 1995, became the biggest new football stadium to be built since the Second World War.

Now boasting a capacity of over 34,000, the ground is one of the largest and most modern in the EFL, and is hoping to play host to a memorable Championship campaign, as Rob Edwards' side push for Premier League promotion in 2025/26.

Then there's Newcastle United's St James' Park, which, unlike its other North East rivals, is located right in the centre of the city.

With the away end being right at the very top of the Leazes Stand, visiting supporters can find themselves battling the elements as well as the often raucous home atmosphere on their visit to this iconic stadium.